Protesters Clash Over Shakib Al Hasan’s Farewell Test, Army Steps In to Control Violence

Tensions flared outside Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Sunday as rival groups clashed over Bangladesh’s all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan’s participation in his farewell test match against South Africa. Fans calling for Shakib to play in his final test were attacked by protesters opposing his return, with sticks and bamboo being used as weapons. The violence was quickly brought under control by army personnel.

Shakib, a prominent figure both in cricket and politics, has been absent from the country since protests erupted against Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government in July. His silence during these events has led to growing public anger, complicating his return for the scheduled match. Despite expressing regret for his lack of response to the protests, Shakib encouraged his supporters to attend the match, further intensifying the situation.

Shakib, considered one of Bangladesh’s greatest cricketers, announced his retirement from test cricket in September. His illustrious career includes 71 test matches, 247 One-Day Internationals, and 129 Twenty20 Internationals, with a total of 14,730 runs and 712 wickets. His political affiliations and the current political climate in Bangladesh, however, have created additional complications surrounding his farewell.